Scientific name: Gonepteryx rhamni

A medium-large butterfly of England, Wales and Ireland. Leaf-shaped wings.

The Brimstone has spread in recent years, mainly in northern England. When this butterfly roosts among foliage, the angular shape and the strong veining of their wings closely resembles leaves.

There is a view that the word 'butterfly' originates from the yellow colour of male Brimstones.The wings of the female are very pale green, almost white, males have yellow-green underwings and yellow upperwings.

Size and Family

Family – Whites and Yellows

Large Sized

Wing Span Range (male to female) - 60mm

Conservation status

UK BAP status: Not listed

Butterfly Conservation Priority: Low

European Status:Not threatened

Protected In Northern Ireland

Caterpillar Foodplants

The Larvae feed on leaves of Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), which occurs mainly on calcareous soils, and Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus), which is found on moist acid soils and wetlands.

Distribution

Countries – England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland

Common in England and Wales, less common in Ireland and very rare in Scotland

Distribution Trend Since 1970’s = -43%.

Habitat

Occurs in scrubby grassland and woodland. The butterfly ranges widely and can often be seen flying along roadside verges and hedgerows.